Wondering if a help topic for describing a book's appeal might be important later on. Of course, some of this is subjective, but other's are more concrete. Such as Pacing, Characterization, Storyline, Frame/Setting, Tone/Mood, and Style/Language. These are important in considering what some call readalikes or feelalikes that many in the book world use in reviews to describe beyond mere genre classification. Some of the examples are based upon Joyce Saricks' work on Readers Advisory. Examples of these would be...
Pacing... Are characters and plot revealed slowly or quickly? Is there more dialogue or description? Synonyms that come to mind are: Breakneck, relaxed, measured, fast-paced, unhurried, surely-paced.
Characterization... Are they developed over time? or immediately recognized? Single character focus or multiple lives? 1st person point of view? or not? Synonyms that come to mind are: Detailed, distant, dramatic, sympathetic, vivid, inspiring, multiple points of view, quirky
Storyline... Emphasis on situations and events or people? is the focus psychological or action oriented? Synonyms that come to mind are flashbacks, folksy, gentle, inspirational, multiple plot lines, plot twists, racy, sexually explicit, strong language, tragic, domestic, explicitly violent, mystical.
Frame/Setting... is the background detailed or minimal? Synonyms that come to mind are contemporary, accurate, exotic, lush, political, rural, urban, small-town, historical, timeless
Tone/Mood ...does the tone dominate the readers impression of the book? feelings you get when reading the book. Synonyms that come to mind are...Austere, bittersweet, bleak, dark, edgy, foreboding, gritty, haunting, heartwarming, hopeful, humorous, introspective, magical, optimistic, philosphical, psychological, romantic, sarcastic, sensual, suspenseful, thoughtful, upbeat.
Style/Language...Does the writing matter? Is the language more important than story or characters? Synonyms that come to mind are Academic, colorful, concise, elaborate, flamboyant, frank, jargon, metaphorical, ornate, poetic, simple, sophisticated, thoughtful, umembellished, unusual, vivid
Factors to consider when describing books...
What does the author do best?
What makes the book popular? What do readers talk about most?
What other authors/titles does the book remind you of?
Who else might enjoy reading this book and why?
How does it fit with other books in a genre?
Factors specific to Nonfiction...
Is it authoritative (well-researched)?
Is it informative?
Is it entertaining?
